Weather Forecast

Soccer: New Minnesota United Reserves team to call East Ridge home

Starting in 2014, the Minnesota United FC will have a new reserve team joining the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in 2014, named the Minnesota United Reserves, which will play at East Ridge High School.

Starting in 2014, the Minnesota United FC will have a new reserve team joining the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in 2014, named the Minnesota United Reserves, which will play at East Ridge High School.

“We want to continue to grow the vision of what the club can be,” said United Head Coach Manny Lagos. “Having a Reserve team is a big piece of developing potential local players but also keep the first team competitive. When you have something like this it can grow into a lot of different areas but it’s really about building this club the right way so we can be strong and have a great culture for the future.”

The Minnesota United FC is the state's professional soccer team. The NPSL is the successor to the Men’s Premier Soccer League (MPSL), which was formed in 2002. Since 2005 the league has expanded nationally, adding the Midwest region, Northeastern region and Southeastern region. The league is sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), the governing body of soccer in the United States, and operates in the 4th Division. The Minnesota United Reserves will play in the Central Conference of the Midwest Region.

“We’re excited to add Minnesota United to the NPSL’s Central Conference of the Midwest Region,” said NPSL Commissioner Michael Hitchcock. “Under new ownership, Minnesota United have taken major steps to establishing their brand and growing the game, on and off the field. We’re honored that Minnesota United has selected NPSL as the league for their Reserve team to play which is an important part of their business model to develop players for the NASL team.”

Games will run from May until August and the new team will consist of amateur and professional players. Ticket information and 2014 schedule have not been released. East Ridge High School neighbors the Bielenberg Sports Center, which will become the official training facility of Minnesota United FC when the complex opens next spring. All team information will be available online at MNUnitedFC.com.

Minnesota United FC is now accepting $50 deposits for 2014 season tickets. On October 5 the club announced it is dropping prices in over half the stadium. The plan includes a new seating map of the National Sports Center in Blaine and season ticket holder benefits. For more information, fans can visit MNUnitedFC.com/seasontickets.

Patrick Johnson has been the South Washington County Bulletin’s sports editor since 2008. He reports on and oversees coverage of high school and amateur sports in south Washington County and Woodbury. Prior to joining the Bulletin, Johnson worked for other Twin Cities suburban newspapers. He is a University of Minnesota graduate.